Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

An aerial view of a town with a large parking lot, a river, and surrounding mountains.
A tree with autumn leaves, a grassy field, and mountains in the background.
A historic building with a clock tower, arched windows, and a stone staircase.
A rustic log cabin surrounded by a wooden fence, set in a wooded area with fallen leaves on the ground.
A theater with a marquee advertising performances.

This town, on the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has unusual tourist attractions, evening shows and plenty of local history.

Pigeon Forge, a major tourist stop on the way to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, knows how to keep visitors entertained. There are dozens of theaters and entertainment venues hosting everything from musicals to magic shows, as well as amusement parks, museums and the ever-popular Dollywood.

Catch a trolley and explore the town. Trolley fares are low, and there are stops at more than a hundred different destinations. Spend a day at Dollywood, the theme park named after country music star Dolly Parton. You’ll find rides for all ages, along with classic country music, restaurants and gift shops. Go for a splash in the nearby Dollywood Splash Country Water Adventure Park. Older kids and adults will love the selection of slides and rides, while youngsters can mess about in a specially-designed play area.

Go prospecting in the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine, where you can buy a bucket and collect gems of all shapes, types, and sizes. For more fun, check out the TOMB Egyptian Adventure. You’ll have to solve problems and outsmart the Pharaoh to escape. History buffs and boat lovers alike should take a look at the Titanic Museum Attraction. It features interactive exhibits and dozens of fun and educational activities.

For some local history, stop by Old Mill Square. Admire the old buildings, enjoy the atmosphere, and grab a bite to eat or shop for souvenirs. Take some time out in a natural setting at Parrot Mountain and Gardens, a refuge for injured or homeless birds. Here you can admire the birds up-close and feed them from the palm of your hand.

If you’re looking for a fun night out, head to one of many comedy clubs, see a musical, or be wowed by magicians. There’s a huge selection of entertainment venues around town, so you’re bound to find something to your taste.

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort

3.5 out of 5
204 Sharon Dr Pigeon Forge TN
The price is NZ$265 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
NZ$265
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Pigeon Forge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,816 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and helpful during checking in and throughout our stay. We did have an issue with our ac in our room, they did have it checked out but the room didn’t seem to get cold. We tried a few things, like keeping our curtain closed and door to balcony shut but didn’t seem to circulate ..."

Reviewed on 12 July 2026

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
Wilderness at the Smokies – River Lodge Suites

Wilderness at the Smokies – River Lodge Suites

4 out of 5
1424 Old Knoxville Highway Sevierville TN
The price is NZ$337 per night from 19 July to 20 July
NZ$337
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Sevierville. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and 7 restaurants. Popular attractions Wilderness at the Smokies and Titanic Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (382 reviews)
"The restraints weren’t that good especially for the price. Staff was super helpful."

Reviewed on 13 July 2026

Wilderness at the Smokies – River Lodge Suites
Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside

Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside

2.5 out of 5
2440 Parkway Pigeon Forge TN
The price is NZ$156 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$156
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Pigeon Forge. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,060 reviews)
"The room was fine. It was basic but did the trick. Location was good, on the main strip. Breakfast was available but did not get it. Pool looked fine, did not swim."

Reviewed on 13 July 2026

Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

3 out of 5
3710 Weber Rd Gatlinburg TN
Stay at this apartment in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Little Pigeon River and Bent Creek Golf Club ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (300 reviews)
"Great view clean and safe would here again if I'm in town."

Reviewed on 13 July 2026

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

4 out of 5
Gatlinburg TN
Stay at this spa hotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,270 reviews)
"The rooms are beautiful, clean, has all the conveniences of home. We loved it!! The views are absolutely incredible. And seeing the Mama bear and her 3 little cubs in their natural habitat was indescribable. The staff were Amazing and there's plenty to do just on site. Highly recommend this ..."

Reviewed on 10 July 2026

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg

Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg

3 out of 5
315 East Pkwy Gatlinburg TN
Stay at this aparthotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Anakeesta and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies ...
6/10 (139 reviews)
"Nothing super secure, had to ask for another room. Hole in the ceiling, wet, with mold, not recommended, stayed july of 2026"

Reviewed on 10 July 2026

Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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